Method and apparatus for processing and receiving digital broadcast signal for 3-dimensional display

ABSTRACT

The disclosed method for processing a digital broadcast signal for a 3-dimensional, 3D, service comprises encoding video data for the 3D service into a video stream, the video data comprising a left picture and a right picture for a 3D image, generating the broadcast signal having the video data and service information for the 3D service, the service information including video depth range descriptor indicating a minimum disparity and a maximum disparity that occur during a given time window of the video stream, wherein the minimum disparity and the maximum disparity are a minimum difference and a maximum difference between horizontal positions of a pixel representing a same point in space in the left and right views of 3-dimensional image, respectively, and transmitting the digital broadcast signal for the 3D service.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/317,644 filed Jun. 27, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/222,752 filed on Aug. 31, 2011 which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/379,378 filed on Sep. 1,2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forthherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficientlyproviding a visual display of three dimensional (3D) images in 3Dbroadcasting. And, more particularly, the present invention relates to amethod and apparatus for efficiently realizing an on screen display(OSD) within a broadcast receiver during a process of displaying threedimensional images in the broadcast receiver.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a three dimensional (3D) image (or a stereoscopic image)provides a user's eyes with a stereoscopic effect using the stereoscopicvisual principle. A human being feels both near and far through abinocular parallax caused by a distance between their eyes spaced apartfrom each other by about 65 mm, such that the 3D image enables bothright and left eyes to respectively view associated planar images,resulting in the stereoscopic effect and the perspective effect.

The above-mentioned 3D image display method may be classified into astereoscopic scheme, a volumetric scheme, a holographic scheme, etc. Incase of using the stereoscopic scheme, the 3D image display methodprovides a left view image to be viewed by the left eye and a right viewimage to be viewed by the right eye, such that the user's left eye viewsthe left view image and the user's right eye views the right view imagethrough either polarization glasses or a display device, resulting inrecognition of the 3D image effect.

Most particularly, in order to provide three dimensional (3D) through abroadcasting environment, information for adequately displaying 3Dimages is required to be included in a video signal, which istransmitted through a broadcasting network or other networks.

Furthermore, the shape or display position of the OSD within thebroadcast receiver is decided based upon an internal decision made bythe manufacturer of the broadcast receiver. However, in case of 3Dbroadcasting, the three dimensional (3D) effect is either decided basedupon the respective 3D broadcast service or decided by the contentsprovider. Therefore, while the user of the broadcast receiver is viewinga 3D broadcast program, when the user uses an OSD for adjusting thevolume or screen settings of the broadcast receiver, a conflict mayoccur between an object included in the provided 3D image and the OSD.Generally, since a considerable amount of time is consumed wheninputting broadcast screen settings by using an OSD, in case the userattempts to adjust broadcast screen settings while the 3D broadcastprogram is in conflict with the OSD, the user may experience intensevisual fatigue.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatusfor displaying 3D images that can efficiently transmit and receiveinformation required for displaying 3D images in a broadcast receiver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for displaying 3D images that can efficiently display an OSDwithin a broadcast receiver during the process of viewing a 3D broadcastprogram.

Technical Solution

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, Amethod of processing a digital broadcast signal for a 3-dimensional, 3D,service is suggested. The method comprises encoding video data for the3D service into a video stream, the video data comprising a left pictureand a right picture for a 3D image, generating the broadcast signalhaving the video data and service information for the 3D service, theservice information including video depth range descriptor indicating aminimum disparity and a maximum disparity that occur during a given timewindow of the video stream, wherein the minimum disparity and themaximum disparity are a minimum difference and a maximum differencebetween horizontal positions of a pixel representing a same point inspace in the left and right views of 3-dimensional image, respectively,and transmitting the digital broadcast signal for the 3D service.

In another aspect of the present invention, the video depth rangedescriptor is included in a virtual channel table (VCT), wherein the VCTincludes service identification information identifying a service fromany other service within a transport stream (TS), and the video depthrange descriptor identifies the minimum and minimum disparity for theservice identified by the service identification information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the video depth rangedescriptor is included in a event information table (EIT), wherein theEIT includes service identification information identifying a servicefrom any other service within a transport stream (TS) and eventidentification information in identifying an event within the serviceidentified by the service identification information, and the videodepth range descriptor identifies the minimum and minimum disparity forthe event identified by the event identification information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the service informationfurther includes application selection information indicating rangeduring which information in the video depth range descriptor is appliedfor the 3D service.

In another aspect of the present invention, the application selectioninformation includes scene start time information indicating startingtime of a scene included in the 3D service for application of theinformation in the video depth range descriptor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the application informationincludes scene duration information indicating duration of a sceneincluded in the 3D service for application of the information in thevideo depth range descriptor.

In another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is anapparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal for a 3-dimensional,3D, service comprising a receiving unit configured to receive thebroadcast signal having video data and service information for the 3Dservice, the video data being encoded for the 3D service into a videostream, the video data comprising a left picture and a right picture fora 3D image, the service information including video depth rangedescriptor indicating a minimum disparity and a maximum disparity thatoccur during a given time window of the video stream, wherein theminimum disparity and the maximum disparity are a minimum difference anda maximum difference between horizontal positions of a pixelrepresenting a same point in space in the left and right views of3-dimensional image, respectively, a signaling processor configured toparse the video depth range descriptor, and a decoder configured todecode the video data.

In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a displaying processor configured to control on screen display(OSD) menu of the apparatus to be displayed on top of the 3D image basedon information in the video depth range descriptor.

In another aspect of the present invention, the signaling processorfurther configured to parse a virtual channel table (VCT) includingservice identification information identifying a service from any otherservice within a transport stream (TS), and the video depth rangedescriptor included in the VCT for identifying the minimum and minimumdisparity for the service identified by the service identificationinformation.

In another aspect of the present invention, the signaling processorfurther configured to parse a event information table (EIT) includingservice identification information identifying a service from any otherservice within a transport stream (TS) and event identificationinformation in identifying an event within the service identified by theservice identification information, and the video depth range descriptorincluded in the EIT for identifying the minimum and minimum disparityfor the event identified by the event identification information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the signaling processorfurther configured to parse application selection information indicatingrange during which information in the video depth range descriptor isapplied for the 3D service from the service information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the signaling processorfurther configured to parse scene start time information indicatingstarting time of a scene included in the 3D service for application ofthe information in the video depth range descriptor from the applicationselection information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the signaling processorfurther configured to parse scene duration information indicatingduration of a scene included in the 3D service for application of theinformation in the video depth range descriptor from the applicationselection information.

In another aspect of the present invention, the displaying processorconfigured to control on screen display (OSD) menu of the apparatus tobe displayed on top of the 3D image during the duration of the sceneincluded in the 3D service based on information in the video depth rangedescriptor and the scene duration information.

Advantageous Effects

According to the embodiment of the present invention, depth information,which indicates the 3D effect intended by the manufacturer during themanufacturing process of the 3D broadcast services/contents, may beefficiently delivered to the broadcast receiver.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, in case of OSDsrelated to menus, graphics, other error or warning messages, even thoughthe user is unaware of the point at which the corresponding OSD is to bedisplayed on the screen, or even though it is difficult to estimate forhow long the OSD will be displayed on the screen, the broadcast receiveraccording to the present invention is designed so that conflict does notoccur at a specific point between the OSDs and 3D broadcast videocontents.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, even if there is achange in depth with respect to a scene change in the 3D video (orimage), the user using the OSD according to the present invention mayexperience less visual fatigue.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the inventionand together with the description serve to explain the principle of theinvention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a 3D Depth Information Descriptor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a 3D Depth Information Descriptor according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the significance of a scene_format_type field valueaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a concept of 3D scene depth stream transmission basedupon an Asynchronous depth information transmission method according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a syntax corresponding to when a 3D scene depthstream is transmitted in a PES packet format according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a 3D Depth Range Descriptor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a 3D Depth Range Descriptor according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a component descriptor according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates definitions of a stream_content field value and acomponent_type field value for indicating the 3D Scene Depth Informationstream according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a location of a PMT and locations wherein theabove-described descriptors can be included within the PMT according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates locations wherein the TVCT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates locations wherein the EIT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates locations wherein the SDT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates locations wherein the EIT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block view of a broadcast receiver for receivingand processing 3D video images according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a block view of a broadcast receiver for receivingand processing 3D video images according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a procedure for receiving (or acquiring) a 3Dservice in an IPTV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a SI (Service Information) table structure for IPTVsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an XML schema of a SourceReferenceType according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates an XML schema of a SourceType according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an extended TypeOfSourceType XML Schema for the 3DScene Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a DepthInformationType XML Schema diagram forcarrying 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a DepthInformationType XML Schema for carrying the3D Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 24 illustrates an extended IpSourceDefinitionType XML Schema forcarrying the 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates an extended RfSourceDefinitionType XML Schema forcarrying the 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates an IpService XML Schema that is extended in order tocarry 3D depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 illustrates an IPTV receiver according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates functional blocks of an IPTV receiver according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for processing 3Dbroadcast signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The detailed description, which will be given below withreference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to explain exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, rather than to show the onlyembodiments that can be implemented according to the present invention.

Prior to describing the present invention, it should be noted that mostterms disclosed in the present invention are defined in consideration offunctions of the present invention and correspond to general terms wellknown in the art, and can be differently determined according tointention of those skilled in the art, usual practices, or introductionof new technologies. In some cases, a few terms have been selected bythe applicant as necessary and will hereinafter be disclosed in thefollowing description of the present invention. Therefore, it ispreferable that the terms defined by the applicant be understood on thebasis of their meanings in the present invention.

The 3D image display method includes a stereoscopic imaging scheme inwhich two view points are considered and a multi-view imaging scheme inwhich three or more view points are considered. In contrast, a singleview image scheme shown in the related art may also be referred to as amonoscopic image scheme.

The stereoscopic imaging scheme is designed to use one pair of right andleft view images acquired when a left-side camera and a right-sidecamera spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance capturethe same target object. The multi-view imaging scheme uses three or moreimages captured by three or more cameras spaced apart by a predetermineddistance or angle. Although the following description disclosesembodiments of the present invention using the stereoscopic imagingscheme as an example, the inventive concept of the present invention mayalso be applied to the multi-view imaging scheme.

A stereoscopic image or multi-view image may be compressed and codedaccording to a variety of methods including a Moving Picture ExpertsGroup (MPEG) scheme, and transmitted to a destination.

For example, a stereoscopic image or a multi-view image may becompressed and coded according to the H.264/Advanced Video Coding (AVC)scheme, and transmitted. In this case, the reception system may decode areceived image in reverse order of the H.264/AVC coding scheme, suchthat it is able to obtain the 3D image.

In addition, one of a left view image and a right view image of astereoscopic image or one of multiple-view images may be assigned to animage of a base layer, and the remaining one may be assigned to an imageof an extended layer. The base layer image may be encoded using the samemethod as the monoscopic imaging method. In association with theextended layer image, only information of the relationship between thebase layer image and the extended layer image may be encoded andtransmitted. As an exemplary compression coding scheme for the baselayer image, a JPEG, an MPEG-2, an MPEG-4, or a H.264/AVC scheme may beused. For convenience of description, the H.264/AVC scheme may beexemplarily used in one embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the compression coding scheme foran image of an upper or higher layer may be set to the H.264/Multi-viewVideo Coding (MVC) scheme.

When the MVC scheme is additionally applied to the AVC scheme or theright/left image sequences are coded using only the AVC scheme so as toimplement the stereoscopic display, one point to be duly considered whenbroadcasting corresponding 3D content data is compatibility with the 2Dbroadcast receiver of the related art. For the related broadcastreceiver incapable of supporting the 3D image display, if one of rightand left view images is encoded and transmitted according to a backwardcompatible method, the 2D broadcast receiver recognizes and outputs onlythe corresponding signal, such that it may be possible for a user toview the corresponding content data through the related device. In thefollowing description, a base layer image of a time point where contentdata is transferred for a legacy broadcast receiver may be referred toas base view video data (or a base video), and an extended layer imagetransferred for displaying a 3D image may be referred to as extendedview video data (or an extended video).

In the case of transferring the base view video data and the extendedview video data as described above, a legacy 2D broadcast receiverreceives the base video data so that it can display a 2D image, and a 3Dbroadcast receiver receives base view video data and extended view videodata so that it can display a 3D image.

In the case of displaying 3D content, a plurality of subtitles may bedisplayed on a screen according to the characteristics of the 3D contentor the use of a subtitle. In this case, the plurality of subtitles mayhave the same depth on a broadcast screen or may have different depthsin order to efficiently provide a 3D effect.

For example, in the case where a plurality of actors appears and aplurality of actors simultaneously speaks their parts in 3D content, theparts are displayed as a 3D subtitle so as to provide an effectdifferent from that of a 2D environment. That is, the depths of thesubtitles representing the parts of the actors may be differently setaccording to the depths of the actors on one screen.

As another example, while a subtitle such as a broadcast station's logodisplayed on an upper right side of a broadcast screen may be displayedat a depth closer to viewers than the depth of 3D content representing a3D effect, the subtitle associated with the 3D content may be displayedat a depth relatively far apart from the viewers.

The term ‘Subtitle’ in the following description may include not only asubtitle but also displayed image, text data, graphic image, logo, etcwhich are additionally displayed to basic video data.

A related broadcast signal provides only basic subtitle displayinformation. Accordingly, when a 3D broadcast receiver desires todisplay the basic subtitle display information, the basic subtitledisplay information may be represented by a 2D broadcast signal or maynot be displayed. Therefore, it is necessary to transmit informationcapable of allowing even the subtitle display information to bedisplayed in a 3D format, and a broadcast receiver capable of displayingsubtitle data in a 3D format using the above-mentioned information and adata processing method thereof are needed.

In the case of displaying a stereoscopic image, left view video data andright view video data are horizontally shifted by a predetermineddistance so as to implement a 3D effect, and then displayed. At thistime, a variety of representation values (such as a shifted distance)capable of indicating the 3D effect may be used. In accordance with theembodiment of the present invention, a disparity value will hereinafterbe used as such a representation value of the 3D effect.

The 3D effect may be acquired from the process in visual perceptionleading to the sensation of depth from two slightly differentprojections of the world onto the retinas of the eyes. The difference inthe two retinal images may be called horizontal disparity, retinaldisparity, or binocular disparity. Hereinafter, for convenience ofdescription and better understanding of the present invention, thedifference between the two retinal images will only be referred to as‘disparity’.

The level of the 3D effect may be evaluated by the depth of the 3D imagethat is being displayed on the display screen. For example, based upon aplane display surface of the broadcast receiver, a 3D image having theeffect of being displayed in front of the plane surface of the broadcastreceiver may exist, and a 3D image having the effect of being displayedbehind the plane surface of the broadcast receiver may also exist.

FIG. 1 illustrates a 3D Depth Information Descriptor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

A descriptor_tag field identifies a descriptor to which the fieldbelongs.

A descriptor_length field indicates the length of data following thedescriptor_length field in bytes, wherein the data belong to the 3DDepth Information Descriptor.

A min_disparity field indicates a minimum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D depth information descriptor is applied. Morespecifically, the min_disparity field indicates a disparity valuecorresponding to the depth of a point that is formed at a nearestdistance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

A max_disparity field indicates a maximum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D depth information descriptor is applied. Morespecifically, the max_disparity field indicates a disparity valuecorresponding to the depth of a point that is formed at a furthestdistance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

The above-described min_disparity field and max_disparity field may alsobe indicated by depth values. More specifically, with respect to theplane display surface of the broadcast receiver on which the 3D video isbeing displayed, the distance may be expressed by using (+) and (−).

The 3D Depth Information Descriptor according to the embodiment of thepresent invention may be included in a Program Map Table (PMT), aVirtual Channel Table (VCT), a Service Description Table (SDT), and/oran Event Information Table (EIT). For example, depending upon the tableincluding the 3D Depth Information Descriptor, information within the 3DDepth Information Descriptor may be applied to the 3D video of therespective level.

By parsing and recognizing the above-described descriptor information,the broadcast receiver may be aware of the maximum/minimum 3D depthvalues during the running time (or broadcasting time) of a specific 3Dservice, program, or contents. Accordingly, the broadcasting receiveraccording to the present invention may refer to the maximum/minimum 3Ddepth values so as to decide the depth level at which the OSD of thebroadcast receiver should be displayed. For example, the OSD may bedisplayed so that the OSD does not overlay with the 3D image (or video),or the OSD may be displayed with a 3D effect further apart from the userthan any of the other 3D images (or videos) that are currently beingdisplayed. A display depth of the PSD based upon a depth of the 3D video(or image) may also be set up by the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates a 3D Depth Information Descriptor according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

The descriptor shown in FIG. 2 may signal a min_disparity field valueand/or a max_disparity field value for each scene included in the 3Dbroadcast video. Therefore, the 3D Depth Information Descriptor may alsobe referred to as a 3D Scene-level Depth Information Descriptor.

In the present invention, a scene may correspond to a context-basedsegment with content. Alternatively, a scene may also correspond to atime segment, which is essentially defined by a start time and a sectionduration. More specifically, for example, even when the 3D DepthInformation Descriptor according to the embodiment of the presentinvention is signaled through a PMT, a Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table(TVCT), or an EIT, a scene may be defined by an absolute time segmentand an absolute section size without any correlation with the respectiveprogram or event.

A descriptor_tag field identifies a descriptor to which the fieldbelongs.

A descriptor_length field indicates the length of data following thedescriptor_length field in bytes, wherein the data belong to the 3DDepth Information Descriptor.

A scene_format_type field identifies a method for dividing a scene intoareas to which values of a min_disparity field and/or a max_disparityfield, which belong to the 3D Depth Information Descriptor, are to beapplied. The scene_format_type field will be described in more detaillater on with reference to FIG. 3.

A first_scene_start_time field corresponds to a field that notifies abase time respective to the scenes that are signaled by the 3D DepthInformation Descriptor. More specifically, the first_scene_start_timefield signifies the start time of a first scene. Herein, the start timeis indicated by hour-unit, and the start time may range from 0 to 23hours. For example, time information for each scene may be known basedupon a scene_id field and a scene_start_time field. However, thefirst_scene_start_time field corresponds to a field notifying thereference time.

A number_of_scenes field indicates a number of scenes from which depthinformation may be recognized by using the 3D Scene-level DepthInformation descriptor that is currently being transmitted.

A scene_duration field indicates a time length representing the durationof the corresponding scene. For example, the length of a scene may beexpressed in seconds.

A scene_id field corresponds to an identifier for each scene. In casethe scene_start_time field does not exist, the start time may besignaled implicitly. For example, the value of the scene_id field maystart from 0. An exact application point for the time span of each scenemay be determined by using the first_scene_start_time field.

A min_disparity field indicates a minimum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D Scene-level depth information descriptor isapplied. More specifically, the min_disparity field indicates adisparity value corresponding to the depth of a point that is formed ata nearest distance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

A max_disparity field indicates a maximum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D Scene-level depth information descriptor isapplied. More specifically, the max_disparity field indicates adisparity value corresponding to the depth of a point that is formed ata furthest distance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

A scene_start_time field indicates the start time of each scene. Herein,the start time may be indicated by using a variety of methods. Forexample, the start time may be expressed in GPS seconds based upon Jan.6, 1980, 00:00. In this case, 32 bits may be used for thescene_start_time field. As another example, the scene_start_time fieldmay be expressed in elapsed seconds based upon thefirst_scene_start_time field. For example, when the 3D Scene-level depthinformation descriptor is received as 07:30, and when the value of thefirst_scene_start_time field is equal to 7, 07:40 is expressed as 2,400seconds, and this value may be used as the value of the scene_start_timefield.

When using the above-described descriptor, the broadcast receiver mayrecognize the display position of the OSD for each specific scene. Thebroadcast receiver translates the 3D Scene-level depth informationdescriptor. Then, at the moment the user of the broadcast receiver callson an OSD, the broadcast receiver may decide the position where the OSDis to be displayed. As described above, the display position of the OSD,which is to be displayed at this point, may be decided as the topsection of all 3D videos or as the bottom section of all 3D videos.

Depending upon the OSD called by the user, the broadcast receiverreceives the depth information respective to at least one or morescenes. Thereafter, the broadcast receiver may display the OSD at adepth that seems to be closer to the user as compared to the depthindicated by the min_disparity field, which has the minimum value. Forexample, since an OSD for adjusting the volume may be manipulated in ashort time, the broadcast receiver may decide the depth of the OSD foradjusting the volume by using the depth information respective to thescene corresponding to the moment when the user calls on the OSD.Conversely, an OSD for adjusting screen settings requires a longermanipulation time. Therefore, the broadcast receiver acquires depthinformation corresponding to the scene displayed at the moment the usercalled on the OSD for adjusting screen settings and also acquires depthinformation corresponding to the subsequent scenes, so that the OSD foradjusting screen settings can be displayed to seem closer to the userthan any other 3D videos. More specifically, even when an OSD isdisplayed during a scene change, the broadcast receiver maintains thedepth of the displayed OSD. Thus, the user may experience less visualfatigue.

FIG. 3 illustrates the significance of a scene_format_type field valueaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, when the broadcast receiver is required to overlay amenu or other graphic data over the 3D video image at an arbitrary time,and when the min_disparity value of the corresponding time is known, aconflict in depth between objects of the 3D video and graphics, menus,icons, and so on. In this case, the scene_format_type field signals amethod for applying depth in each scene.

For example, when scene_format_type=“10”, the time point at which thedepth information is applied may be recognized by using the scene_idfield. As described above, the 3D scene-level depth informationdescriptor provides depth range information of the 3D video for eachscene. According to the embodiment of the present invention, thescene_duration field is fixed in the same descriptor or in the samePMT/TVCT/EIT section instance. Herein, all scenes may have the samelength. And, the length of each scene may be defined by thescene_duration field. More specifically, the 3D scene-level depthinformation descriptor provides depth range information of the 3D videoin the above-described time units indicated by the scene_duration field.

For example, when scene_duration=1200 (20 minutes), scene_id=0 signifiesa time segment of 20 minutes starting from the time indicated by thefirst_scene_start_time field. At this point, whenfirst_scene_start_time=19, and when the broadcast receiver wishes tooutput an OSD at 07:30 p.m., the broadcast receiver may use theinformation corresponding to when scene_id=1, in order to determine theadequate depth range.

For example, when scene_format_type=“11”, each scene may be clearlydefined to have a length equivalent to the scene_duration field valuestarting from the time indicated by the scene_start_time field. In thiscase, even if the scenes belong to the same descriptor, each scene maybe set to have different lengths. When the broadcast receiver outputs anOSD at a specific time point while the 3D video is being played, thebroadcast receiver may determine the scene belonging to the currenttime, so as to use the corresponding depth range information.

In some cases, programs or events having different contents may beinter-mixed in a single scene. Accordingly, when scene division isperformed based upon the content or context of the corresponding 3Dvideo, the scene_format_type field may be set to “11”, and informationcorresponding to each section may be transmitted. Furthermore, when thedepth information cannot be known in advance, such as in livebroadcasting, the min_disparity field value and the max_disparity fieldvalue may both be set to 0.

FIG. 4 illustrates a concept of 3D scene depth stream transmission basedupon an Asynchronous depth information transmission method according toan embodiment of the present invention.

Program A corresponds to a 3D program. Herein, Program A may consist ofa video Elementary Stream (ES) for a left-view image (or video), a videoES for a right-view image (or video), and 3D scene depth informationincluding depth information of the 3D video. At this point, the 3D scenedepth information may be transmitted by using the conventional signalingtables, such as the PMT, the TVCT, the SDT, and/or the EIT. According toanother embodiment of the present invention, the 3D scene depthinformation may also be transmitted in a Packetized Elementary Stream(PES) format instead of a descriptor format.

FIG. 5 illustrates a syntax corresponding to when a 3D scene depthstream is transmitted in a PES packet format according to an embodimentof the present invention.

A sync_byte field is used to authenticate synchronization during aprocess of parsing a segment.

A segment_type field indicates a type of the data belonging to thesegment data field.

A scene_data_type field specifies a method for applying the depthinformation.

For example, when scene_data_type=“01”, it may be defined that the 3Dscene depth information stream transmits the depth range in event units.In this case, each scene is mapped to a single event, and, by using atarget_event_id field, the broadcast receiver recognizes the event towhich the depth range is applied. The broadcast receiver matches thetarget_event_id field with an event_id field included in an EIT, therebyrecognizing information on the corresponding event.

For example, when scene_data_type=“10”, the time point at which thedepth information is applied may be recognized by using the scene_idfield. As described above, the 3D scene depth information streamprovides depth range information of the 3D video for each scene.According to the embodiment of the present invention, the scene_durationfield may be defined to be fixed in the same 3D scene depth informationstream. In other words, all scenes may have the same length. And, thelength of each scene may be defined by the scene_duration field. Morespecifically, the 3D scene depth information stream provides depth rangeinformation of the 3D video in the above-described time units indicatedby the scene_duration field.

For example, when scene_duration=1200 (20 minutes), scene_id=0 signifiesa time segment of 20 minutes starting from the time indicated by thefirst_scene_start_time field. At this point, whenfirst_scene_start_time=19, and when the broadcast receiver wishes tooutput an OSD at 07:30 p.m., the broadcast receiver may use theinformation corresponding to when scene_id=1, in order to determine theadequate depth range.

For example, when scene_data_type=“11”, each scene may be clearlydefined to have a length equivalent to the scene_duration field valuestarting from the time indicated by the scene_start_time field. In thiscase, even if the scenes belong to the same descriptor, each scene maybe set to have different lengths. When the broadcast receiver outputs anOSD at a specific time point while the 3D video is being played, thebroadcast receiver may determine the scene belonging to the currenttime, so as to use the corresponding depth range information.

A first_scene_start_time field corresponds to a field that notifies abase time respective to the scenes that are signaled by the currentdescriptor (3D Scene-level Depth Information descriptor). Morespecifically, the first_scene_start_time field signifies the start timeof a first scene. Herein, the start time is indicated by hour-unit, andthe start time may range from 0 to 23 hours. For example, timeinformation for each scene may be known based upon a scene_id field anda scene_start_time field. However, the first_scene_start_time fieldcorresponds to a field notifying the reference time.

A number_of_scenes field indicates a number of scenes from which depthinformation may be recognized by using the 3D Scene-level DepthInformation descriptor that is currently being transmitted.

A target_event_id field identifies an event to which the above-describeddepth information is applied.

A min_disparity field indicates a minimum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D Scene-level depth information descriptor isapplied. More specifically, the min_disparity field indicates adisparity value corresponding to the depth of a point that is formed ata nearest distance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

A max_disparity field indicates a maximum value of disparity that can beexpressed in a 3D video that is included in a 3D service, program, orevent, wherein the 3D Scene-level depth information descriptor isapplied. More specifically, the max_disparity field indicates adisparity value corresponding to the depth of a point that is formed ata furthest distance between the broadcast receiver and the user.

A scene_duration field indicates a time length representing the durationof the corresponding scene. For example, the length of a scene may beexpressed in seconds.

A scene_id field corresponds to an identifier for each scene. In casethe scene_start_time field does not exist, the start time may besignaled implicitly. For example, the value of the scene_id field maystart from 0. An exact application point for the time span of each scenemay be determined by using the first_scene_start_time field.

A scene_start_time field indicates the start time of each scene. Herein,the start time may be indicated by using a variety of methods. Forexample, the start time may be expressed in GPS seconds based upon Jan.6, 1980, 00:00. In this case, 32 bits may be used for thescene_start_time field. As another example, the scene_start_time fieldmay be expressed in elapsed seconds based upon thefirst_scene_start_time field. For example, when the 3D Scene-level depthinformation descriptor is received as 07:30, and when the value of thefirst_scene_start_time field is equal to 7, 07:40 is expressed as 2,400seconds, and this value may be used as the value of the scene_start_timefield.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, even if a largeamount of data is required in order to transmit 3D depth information,the 3D depth information may be adequately signaled.

FIG. 6 illustrates a 3D Depth Range Descriptor according to anembodiment of the present invention.

The 3D Depth Range Descriptor may be located in an ES descriptor loop ofthe PMT or in a descriptor loop of the TVCT or SDT. In case the EScorresponds to the 3D scene depth information, the 3D Depth RangeDescriptor performs the role of notifying the time period during whichthe corresponding stream provides the depth range information. Whenusing the 3D Depth Range Descriptor, the time point at which the 3Ddepth is applied and information on the 3D depth may be signaledseparately.

Since the descriptor_tag field and the descriptor_length field have thesame meaning as the same fields included in another descriptor describedabove, detailed description of the same will be omitted for simplicity.

A 3D_scene_depth_info_version field corresponds to version informationof the 3D scene depth information. Herein, the broadcast receiver usesthe 3D_scene_depth_info_version field so as to determine whether or notthe depth range information has been updated. Accordingly, by referringto the information on the 3D_scene_depth_info_version field, and when itis determined that there is no change in the version information, thebroadcast receiver may be capable of avoiding an overlapped performanceof operations required for reading the depth information.

A first_scene_start_time field indicates the first (or initial) starttime at which the depth range information included in the 3D scene depthinformation is applied. For example, the first_scene_start_time fieldmay be indicated in GPS seconds based upon Jan. 6, 1980, 00:00. In thiscase, 32 bits may be used for the first_scene_start_time field.

A last_scene_start_time field indicates the last (or final) start timeat which the depth range information included in the 3D scene depthinformation is applied. For example, the last_scene_start_time field maybe indicated in GPS seconds based upon Jan. 6, 1980, 00:00. In thiscase, 32 bits may be used for the last_scene_start_time field.

The broadcast receiver may use the first_scene_start_time field and/orthe last_scene_end_time field so as to determine the time periods duringwhich the depth range information included in the 3D scene depthinformation is valid.

FIG. 7 illustrates a 3D Depth Range Descriptor according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

According to the other embodiment of the present invention, the 3D DepthRange Descriptor may be included in a VCT or an SDT.

In addition to the fields described in FIG. 6, the 3D Depth RangeDescriptor shown in FIG. 7 further includes a 3D_scene_depth_info_PIDfield.

The 3D_scene_depth_info_PID field includes information for identifying aPacket that transmits a 3D scene.

In case the 3D Depth Range Descriptor is applied to the SDT, the3D_scene_depth_info_PID field may be replaced with a component_tag.

FIG. 8 illustrates a component descriptor according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Since the descriptor_tag field and the descriptor_length field have thesame meaning as the same fields included in another descriptor describedabove, detailed description of the same will be omitted for simplicity.

stream_content is a 4-bit field specifying the type (video, audio, orEBU-data) of stream.

component_type is a 8-bit field specifying the type of the video, audioor EBU-data component.

component_tag is a 8-bit field that has the same value as thecomponent_tag field in the stream identifier descriptor (if present inthe PSI program map section) for the component stream.

ISO_639_language_code is a 24-bit field that identifies the language ofthe component (in the case of audio or EBU-data) and of the textdescription which may be contained in this descriptor. Both ISO 639-2/Band ISO 639-2/T may be used. Each character is coded into 8 bitsaccording to ISO/IEC 8859-1 and inserted in order into the 24-bit field.

text_char is an 8-bit field. A string of “text_char” fields specifies atext description of the component stream.

A component descriptor is added to a descriptor loop of an SDT so as toindicate the type of each elementary stream configuring the services inDVB, and the added component descriptor is signaled. According to anembodiment of the present invention, a stream_content field and acomponent_type field are used so as identify the stream configured forthe 3D Scene Depth information.

The Stream_content field indicates a stream type. Herein, thestream_content field is defined as 0x09 for additional data, such asmetadata for the 3D contents. The value of the Stream_content field,which is defined as above-described, is merely exemplary, and,therefore, the value of the Stream_content field may be defineddifferently. Examples of such additional data may include a 3D Scenedepth range, a Viewing Geometry parameter, a Camera Parameter, and soon.

Herein, a component_type field for a component carrying the 3D SceneDepth Information within the current stream content may be additionallyused.

FIG. 9 illustrates definitions of a stream_content field value and acomponent_type field value for indicating the 3D Scene Depth Informationstream according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the values defined in the present invention may bechanged to other values.

A method for identifying a stream carrying the 3D Scene DepthInformation by using the additionally defined component type will now bedescribed in detail.

Among the Component descriptors included in the SDT, by verifying thatthe Stream content is 0x09 and that the component type is 0x01, thebroadcast receiver may verify the component tag of the 3D Scene DepthInformation stream. (Component_tag_D)

Among the Elementary streams within the ES Loop of the PMT correspondingto the above-described SDT, the broadcast receiver uses the Streamidentifier descriptor so as to verify the ES including component_tag_D,which is acquired in Step 1, thereby acquiring the PID of the verifiedES. (PID_D)

Thereafter, the broadcast receiver extracts a stream corresponding tothe acquired PID_D so as to determined the 3D Scene Depth information.

FIG. 10 illustrates a location of a PMT and locations wherein theabove-described descriptors can be included within the PMT according toan embodiment of the present invention.

table_id field is an 8-bit field, which in the case of aTS_program_map_section shall be always set to 0x02.

section_syntax_indicator field is a 1-bit field which shall be set to‘1’.

section_length field is a 12-bit field, the first two bits of whichshall be ‘00’. The remaining 10 bits specify the number of bytes of thesection starting immediately following the section_length field, andincluding the CRC. The value in this field shall not exceed 1021(0x3FD).

program_number field is a 16-bit field. It specifies the program towhich the program_map_PID is applicable. One program definition shall becarried within only one TS_program_map_section. This implies that aprogram definition is never longer than 1016 (0x3F8). The program_numbermay be used as a designation for a broadcast channel, for example. Bydescribing the different program elements belonging to a program, datafrom different sources (e.g. sequential events) can be concatenatedtogether to form a continuous set of streams using a program_number.

version_number field is the version number of theTS_program_map_section. The version number shall be incremented by 1modulo 32 when a change in the information carried within the sectionoccurs. Version number refers to the definition of a single program, andtherefore to a single section. When the current_next_indicator is set to‘1’, then the version_number shall be that of the currently applicableTS_program_map_section. When the current_next_indicator is set to ‘0’,then the version_number shall be that of the next applicableTS_program_map_section.

current_next_indicator field, which when set to ‘1’ indicates that theTS_program_map_section sent is currently applicable. When the bit is setto ‘0’, it indicates that the TS_program_map_section sent is not yetapplicable and shall be the next TS_program_map_section to become valid.

The value of the section_number field shall be 0x00.

The value of the last_section_number field shall be 0x00.

PCR_PID field is a 13-bit field indicating the PID of the TransportStream packets which shall contain the PCR fields valid for the programspecified by program_number. If no PCR is associated with a programdefinition for private streams, then this field shall take the value of0x1FFF.

program_info_length field is a 12-bit field, the first two bits of whichshall be ‘00’. The remaining 10 bits specify the number of bytes of thedescriptors immediately following the program_info_length field.

stream_type field is an 8-bit field specifying the type of programelement carried within the packets with the PID whose value is specifiedby the elementary_PID.

elementary_PID field is a 13-bit field specifying the PID of theTransport Stream packets which carry the associated program element.

ES_info_length field is a 12-bit field, the first two bits of whichshall be ‘00’. The remaining 10 bits specify the number of bytes of thedescriptors of the associated program element immediately following theES_info_length field.

CRC_32 field is a 32-bit field that contains the CRC value that gives azero output of the registers in the decoder.

Among the above-described descriptors, at least any one of thedescriptors may be included in a for loop configured for descriptorsfollowing the program_info_length field, thereby being signaled.Additionally, the at least any one of the descriptors may also beincluded in a for loop configured for descriptors following theES_info_length field, thereby being signaled.

Thus, the descriptor included in the PMT signals information on the 3Ddepth of an event related to the corresponding loop.

When transmitting information on 3D depth by using the 3D Scene DepthInformation stream, the broadcast receiver may use a stream_type fieldso as to notify that the corresponding stream is the 3D Scene DepthInformation. For example, in case the stream_type field value is equalto 0x06, this may indicate that the type of the stream corresponds toISO/IEC 13818-1 PES packets containing private data. In case thestream_type field value is equal to 0xA0, the broadcast receiver may usethe value of the 3D scene-level depth range information stream.

When the broadcast receiver uses the value 0x06 to indicate the streamtype, based upon the knowledge that the 3D Depth Range Descriptor existsin the ES descriptor loop, the broadcast receiver may determine that theprivate data of the corresponding ES carry the 3D scene-level depthrange information.

In case of a DVB system, by having the SDT designate stream content andComponent type values for the 3D Scene Depth Information proposed in thepresent invention, and by having the SDT signal the designated values, arespective stream may be identified.

FIG. 11 illustrates locations wherein the TVCT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The value of the table_id field indicates the type of table sectionbeing defined here. For the terrestrial_virtual_channel_table_section(), the table_id shall be 0xC8.

section_syntax_indicator field is a one-bit field which shall be set to‘1’ for the terrestrial_virtual_channel_table_section( ).

private_indicator field shall be set to ‘1’.

section_length field is a twelve bit field, the first two bits of whichshall be ‘00’. It specifies the number of bytes of the section, startingimmediately following the section_length field, and including the CRC.The value in this field shall not exceed 1021.

transport_stream_id field, the 16-bit MPEG-2 Transport Stream ID, as itappears in the Program Association Table (PAT) identified by a PID valueof zero for this multiplex. The transport_stream_id distinguishes thisTerrestrial Virtual Channel Table from others that may be broadcast indifferent PTCs.

version_number field is the version number of the Virtual Channel Table.For the current VCT (current_next_indicator=‘1’), the version numbershall be incremented by 1 whenever the definition of the current VCTchanges. Upon reaching the value 31, it wraps around to 0. For the nextVCT (current_next_indicator=‘0’), the version number shall be one unitmore than that of the current VCT (also in modulo 32 arithmetic). In anycase, the value of the version_number shall be identical to that of thecorresponding entries in the MGT.

current_next_indicator field, a one-bit indicator, which when set to ‘1’indicates that the Virtual Channel Table sent is currently applicable.When the bit is set to ‘0’, it indicates that the table sent is not yetapplicable and shall be the next table to become valid. This standardimposes no requirement that “next” tables (those withcurrent_next_indicator set to ‘0’) must be sent. An update to thecurrently applicable table shall be signaled by incrementing theversion_number field.

section_number field gives the number of this section. Thesection_number of the first section in the Terrestrial Virtual ChannelTable shall be 0x00. It shall be incremented by one with each additionalsection in the Terrestrial Virtual Channel Table.

last_section_number specifies the number of the last section (that is,the section with the highest section_number) of the complete TerrestrialVirtual Channel Table.

protocol_version field whose function is to allow, in the future, thistable type to carry parameters that may be structured differently thanthose defined in the current protocol. At present, the only valid valuefor protocol_version is zero. Non-zero values of protocol_version may beused by a future version of this standard to indicate structurallydifferent tables.

num_channels_in_section field specifies the number of virtual channelsin this VCT section. The number is limited by the section length.

short_name field specifies the name of the virtual channel.

major_channel_number field, a 10-bit number that represents the “major”channel number associated with the virtual channel being defined in thisiteration of the “for” loop. Each virtual channel shall be associatedwith a major and a minor channel number. The major channel number, alongwith the minor channel number, act as the user's reference number forthe virtual channel. The major_channel_number shall be between 1 and 99.The value of major_channel_number shall be set such that in no case is amajor_channel_number/minor_channel_number pair duplicated within theTVCT.

minor_channel_number field, a 10-bit number in the range 0 to 999 thatrepresents the “minor” or “sub”-channel number. This field, togetherwith major_channel_number, performs as a two-part channel number, whereminor_channel_number represents the second or right-hand part of thenumber. When the service_type is analog television, minor_channel_numbershall be set to 0. Services whose service_type is eitherATSC_digital_television or ATSC_audio_only shall use minor numbersbetween 1 and 99. The value of minor_channel_number shall be set suchthat in no case is a major_channel_number/minor_channel_number pairduplicated within the TVCT. For other types of services, such as databroadcasting, valid minor virtual channel numbers are between 1 and 999.

modulation_mode field indicates the modulation mode for the transmittedcarrier associated with this virtual channel.

The value of the carrier_frequency field is zero. Use of this field toidentify carrier frequency is allowed, but is deprecated.

channel_TSID field in the range 0x0000 to 0xFFFF that represents theMPEG-2 Transport Stream ID associated with the Transport Stream carryingthe MPEG-2 program referenced by this virtual channel8. For inactivechannels, channel_TSID shall represent the ID of the Transport Streamthat will carry the service when it becomes active. The receiver isexpected to use the channel_TSID to verify that any received TransportStream is actually the desired multiplex. For analog channels(service_type 0x01), channel_TSID shall indicate the value of the analogTSID included in the VBI of the NTSC signal.

program_number field that associates the virtual channel being definedhere with the MPEG-2 PROGRAM ASSOCIATION and TS PROGRAM MAP tables. Forvirtual channels representing analog services, a value of 0xFFFF shallbe specified for program_number.

ETM_location field specifies the existence and the location of anExtended Text Message (ETM).

access_controlled field, a 1-bit Boolean flag that indicates, when set,that the events associated with this virtual channel may be accesscontrolled. When the flag is set to ‘0’, event access is not restricted.

hidden field, a 1-bit Boolean flag that indicates, when set, that thevirtual channel is not accessed by the user by direct entry of thevirtual channel number. Hidden virtual channels are skipped when theuser is channel surfing, and appear as if undefined, if accessed bydirect channel entry. Typical applications for hidden channels are testsignals and NVOD services. Whether a hidden channel and its events mayappear in EPG displays depends on the state of the hide_guide bit.

hide_guide field, a Boolean flag that indicates, when set to ‘0’ for ahidden channel, that the virtual channel and its events may appear inEPG displays. This bit shall be ignored for channels which do not havethe hidden bit set, so that non-hidden channels and their events mayalways be included in EPG displays regardless of the state of thehide_guide bit. Typical applications for hidden channels with thehide_guide bit set to ‘1’ are test signals and services accessiblethrough application-level pointers.

service_type field that shall identify the type of service carried inthis virtual channel.

source_id field identifies the programming source associated with thevirtual channel. In this context, a source is one specific source ofvideo, text, data, or audio programming. Source ID value zero isreserved. Source ID values in the range 0x0001 to 0x0FFF shall be uniquewithin the Transport Stream that carries the VCT, while values 0x1000 to0xFFFF shall be unique at the regional level. Values for source_ids0x1000 and above shall be issued and administered by a RegistrationAuthority designated by the ATSC.

descriptors_length field specifies total length (in bytes) of thedescriptors for this virtual channel that follows.

Zero or more descriptors, as appropriate, may be included in descriptor()

additional_descriptors_length field specifies total length (in bytes) ofthe VCT descriptor list that follows.

CRC_32 field contains the CRC value that ensures a zero output from theregisters in the decoder.

Among the above-described descriptors, at least any one of thedescriptors may be included in a for loop configured for descriptorsfollowing the descriptors_length field, thereby being signaled.

When the broadcast receiver uses the Service Location Descriptor, whichis defined in the ATSC PSI/PSIP, so as to signal the 3D Scene DepthInformation, the broadcast receiver uses the stream_type field in orderto indicate that the ES correspond to the depth information. And, atthis point, the descriptor shown in FIG. 6 is used as the format of the3D Depth Range Descriptor, instead of the descriptor shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 illustrates locations wherein the EIT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

table_id is an 8-bit field which shall be set to 0xCB, identifying thissection as belonging to the Event Information Table.

section_syntax_indicator is an 1-bit field which shall be set to ‘1’. Itdenotes that the section follows the generic section syntax beyond thesection length field.

private_indicator is an 1-bit field which shall be set to ‘1’.

section_length is a 12-bit field specifying the number of remainingbytes in this section immediately following the section_length field upto the end of the section, including the CRC_32 field. The value of thisfield shall not exceed 4093.

source_id is a 16-bit field specifying the source_id of the virtualchannel carrying the events described in this section.

version_number is a 5-bit field that is the version number of EIT-i. Theversion number shall be incremented by 1 modulo 32 when any field in theEIT-i changes. Note that the version_number for EIT-i has no relationwith that for EIT-j when j is not equal to i. The value of this fieldshall be identical to that of the corresponding entry in the MGT.

current_next_indicator is an 1-bit indicator which is always set to ‘1’for EIT sections; the EIT sent is always currently applicable.

section_number is an 8-bit field giving the number of this section.

last_section_number is an 8-bit field which specifies the number of thelast section.

protocol_version is an 8-bit unsigned integer field whose function is toallow, in the future, this table type to carry parameters that may bestructured differently than those defined in the current protocol. Atpresent, the only valid value for protocol_version is zero. Non-zerovalues of protocol_version may be used by a future version of thisstandard to indicate structurally different tables.

num_events_in_section field indicates the number of events in this EITsection. Value 0 indicates no events defined in this section.

event_id field specifies the identification number of the eventdescribed. This number will serve as a part of the event ETM_id(identifier for event extended text message).

start_time is a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity representing the starttime of this event as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, 6Jan. 1980. In any virtual channel, the start_time value of an eventshall not be less than the end time of the preceding event where the endtime of an event is defined to be equal to that event's start_time valueplus that event's length_in_seconds value.

ETM_location is a 2-bit field specifying the existence and the locationof an Extended Text Message (ETM).

length_in_seconds field specifies duration of this event in seconds.

title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of the title_text( ).Value 0 means that no title exists for this event.

title_text( ) is the event title in the format of a multiple stringstructure.

descriptors_length field indicates total length (in bytes) of the eventdescriptor list that follows.

Zero or more descriptors may be included in the EIT in an iteration ofthe event “for” loop included in descriptor( ). The types of descriptorsdefined for use in the EIT include the content_advisory_descriptor( ),the caption_service_descriptor( ) and the AC-3 audio_stream_descriptor().

CRC_32 is a 32-bit field that contains the CRC value that ensures a zerooutput from the registers in the decoder.

Among the above-described descriptors, at least any one of thedescriptors may be included in a for loop configured for descriptorsfollowing the descriptors_length field, thereby being signaled.

By using the descriptors included in the EIT, signaling on the currentevent and the next event may be performed.

FIG. 13 illustrates locations wherein the SDT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

table_id is an 8-bit field identifying this section as belonging to theService Description Table.

section_syntax_indicator is a 1-bit field which shall be set to “1”.

section_length is a 12-bit field, the first two bits of which shall be“00”. It specifies the number of bytes of the section, startingimmediately following the section_length field and including the CRC.The section_length shall not exceed 1 021 so that the entire section hasa maximum length of 1 024 bytes.

transport_stream_id is a 16-bit field which serves as a label foridentification of the TS, about which the SDT informs, from any othermultiplex within the delivery system.

version_number is a 5-bit field that is the version number of thesub_table. The version_number shall be incremented by 1 when a change inthe information carried within the sub_table occurs. When it reachesvalue “31”, it wraps around to “0”. When the current_next_indicator isset to “1”, then the version_number shall be that of the currentlyapplicable sub_table. When the current_next_indicator is set to “0”,then the version_number shall be that of the next applicable sub_table.

current_next_indicator is an 1-bit indicator, when set to “1” indicatesthat the sub_table is the currently applicable sub_table. When the bitis set to “0”, it indicates that the sub_table sent is not yetapplicable and shall be the next sub_table to be valid.

section_number is an 8-bit field giving the number of the section. Thesection_number of the first section in the sub_table shall be “0x00”.The section_number shall be incremented by 1 with each additionalsection with the same table_id, transport_stream_id, andoriginal_network_id.

last_section_number is an 8-bit field specifying the number of the lastsection (that is, the section with the highest section_number) of thesub_table of which this section is part.

original_network_id is a 16-bit field giving the label identifying thenetwork_id of the originating delivery system.

service_id is a 16-bit field which serves as a label to identify thisservice from any other service within the TS. The service_id is the sameas the program_number in the corresponding program_map_section.

EIT_schedule_flag is a 1-bit field which when set to “1” indicates thatEIT schedule information for the service is present in the current TS.If the flag is set to 0 then the EIT schedule information for theservice should not be present in the TS.

EIT_present_following_flag is a 1-bit field which when set to “1”indicates that EIT_present_following information for the service ispresent in the current TS. If the flag is set to 0 then the EITpresent/following information for the service should not be present inthe TS.

running_status is a 3-bit field indicating the status of the service.

free_CA_mode is an 1-bit field, when set to “0” indicates that all thecomponent streams of the service are not scrambled. When set to “1” itindicates that access to one or more streams may be controlled by a CAsystem.

descriptors_loop_length is a 12-bit field gives the total length inbytes of the following descriptors.

CRC_32 is a 32-bit field that contains the CRC value that gives a zerooutput of the registers in the decoder.

Among the above-described descriptors, at least any one of thedescriptors may be included in a for loop configured for descriptorsfollowing the descriptors_loop_length field, thereby being signaled.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the descriptorsincluded in the SDT may signal information on the 3D depth respective toa service, which is signaled by the current SDT.

FIG. 14 illustrates locations wherein the EIT and the above-describeddescriptors can be included according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

table_id is an 8-bit field identifying this section as belonging to theService Description Table.

section_syntax_indicator is a 1-bit field which shall be set to “1”.

section_length is a 12-bit field. It specifies the number of bytes ofthe section, starting immediately following the section_length field andincluding the CRC. The section_length shall not exceed 4 093 so that theentire section has a maximum length of 4 096 bytes.

service_id is a 16-bit field which serves as a label to identify thisservice from any other service within a TS. The service_id is the sameas the program_number in the corresponding program_map_section.

version_number is a 5-bit field is the version number of the sub_table.The version_number shall be incremented by 1 when a change in theinformation carried within the sub_table occurs. When it reaches value31, it wraps around to 0. When the current_next_indicator is set to “1”,then the version_number shall be that of the currently applicablesub_table. When the current_next_indicator is set to “0”, then theversion_number shall be that of the next applicable sub_table.

current_next_indicator is an 1-bit indicator, when set to “1” indicatesthat the sub_table is the currently applicable sub_table. When the bitis set to “0”, it indicates that the sub_table sent is not yetapplicable and shall be the next sub_table to be valid.

section_number is an 8-bit field giving the number of the section. Thesection_number of the first section in the sub_table shall be “0x00”.The section_number shall be incremented by 1 with each additionalsection with the same table_id, service_id, transport_stream_id, andoriginal_network_id.

In this case, the sub_table may be structured as a number of segments.Within each segment the

section_number field shall increment by 1 with each additional section,but a gap in numbering is permitted between the last section of asegment and the first section of the adjacent segment.

last_section_number is an 8-bit field specifying the number of the lastsection (that is, the section with the highest section_number) of thesub_table of which this section is part.

transport_stream_id is a 16-bit field which serves as a label foridentification of the TS, about which the EIT informs, from any othermultiplex within the delivery system.

original_network_id is a 16-bit field giving the label identifying thenetwork_id of the originating delivery system.

segment_last_section_number is an 8-bit field specifies the number ofthe last section of this segment of the sub_table. For sub_tables whichare not segmented, this field shall be set to the same value as thelast_section_number field.

last_table_id is an 8-bit field identifies the last table_id used.

event_id is a 16-bit field which contains the identification number ofthe described event (uniquely allocated within a service definition).

start_time is a 40-bit field which contains the start time of the eventin Universal Time, Co-ordinated (UTC) and Modified Julian Date (MJD).This field is coded as 16 bits giving the 16 LSBs of MJD followed by 24bits coded as 6 digits in 4-bit Binary Coded Decimal (BCD). If the starttime is undefined (e.g. for an event in a NVOD reference service) allbits of the field are set to “1”.

Duration is a 24-bit field containing the duration of the event inhours, minutes, seconds. format: 6 digits, 4-bit BCD=24 bit.

running_status is a 3-bit field indicating the status of the event asdefined in table 6. For an NVOD reference event the value of therunning_status shall be set to “0”.

free_CA_mode is an 1-bit field, when set to “0” indicates that all thecomponent streams of the event are not scrambled. When set to “1” itindicates that access to one or more streams is controlled by a CAsystem.

descriptors_loop_length is a 12-bit field giving the total length inbytes of the following descriptors.

CRC_32 is a 32-bit field that contains the CRC value that gives a zerooutput of the registers in the decoder.

Among the above-described descriptors, at least any one of thedescriptors may be included in a for loop configured for descriptorsfollowing the descriptors_loop_length field, thereby being signaled.

For example, by using the descriptors included in the EIT, informationon the 3D depth respective to the current event and the next event maybe signaled.

FIG. 15 illustrates a block view of a broadcast receiver for receivingand processing 3D video images according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The broadcast receiver according to the embodiment of the presentinvention may include a Tuner & Demodulator (15010), a VSB decoder(15020), a transport packet demultiplexer (TP Demux) (15030), aPSI/PSIP/SI processor (15040), a 3D video decoder (15050), a primaryvideo decoder (15052), a secondary video decoder (15054), a 3D OSDengine (15060), a left mixer (15070), a right mixer (15080), and/or a 3Doutput formatter (15090).

The Tuner & Demodulator (15010) tunes to a 3D broadcast channel anddemodulates received signals.

The VSB decoder (15020) decodes signals having VSB applied therein (orVSB signals). Although this block is referred to as the VSB decoder,this block may also be considered as a block configured to decodesignals having OFDM applied therein (or OFDM signals).

The transport packet demultiplexer (TP Demux) (15030) separates thetransport packet from the broadcast signal. Most particularly, thetransport packet demultiplexer (TP Demux) (15030) performs the role offiltering a packet identifier.

The PSI/PSIP/SI processor (15040) processes signaling signals. Forexample, the PSI/PSIP/SI processor (15040) performs the role ofprocessing multiple tables included in the PSIP or DVB SI or the role ofprocessing signaling packets, signaling segments, and so on.

The 3D video decoder (15050) includes the primary video decoder (15052)and the secondary video decoder (15054).

The 3D video decoder (15050) decodes 3D video data.

The primary video decoder (15052) decodes primary video data. Forexample, when an MVC type coding method is applied to the video data,the primary video data may correspond to a signal of a base layer or anenhanced layer. In another example, the primary video decoder (15052)may perform the role of decoding left view image video data.

The secondary video decoder (15054) decodes secondary video data. Forexample, when an MVC type coding method is applied to the video data,the secondary video data may correspond to a signal of an enhanced layeror a base layer. In another example, the secondary video decoder (15054)may perform the role of decoding right view image video data.

The 3D OSD engine (15060) performs a processing operation for displayingOSD. For example, the 3D OSD engine (15060) translates the 3D depthinformation so as to determine the depth level at which an OSD of aspecific service, program, event, and/or scene is to be displayed and todisplay the OSD accordingly. Thereafter, the 3D OSD engine (15060)processes the display of the OSD and controls the display of the OSD.

Among the images configuring the 3D video image, the left mixer (15070)processes the left view image.

Among the images configuring the 3D video image, the right mixer (15080)processes the right view image.

The 3D output formatter (15090) performs the role of displaying the leftview image and the right view image, which configure the 3D video image.At this point, the 3D output formatter (15090) may also perform the roleof displaying an OSD.

At least any one of the descriptors related to the above-described 3Ddepth is delivered by using a transport packet, and the correspondingdescriptor(s) may be delivered by being included in the PMT, the TVCT,the EIT, and/or the SDT. In this case, the PSI/PSIP/SI processor (15040)performs the role of parsing at least any one of the descriptors relatedto the 3D depth and also performs the role of parsing the informationincluded in the corresponding descriptor(s). The depth-associatedinformation included in the at least any one of the descriptors relatedto the 3D depth is delivered to the 3D OSD engine (15060), so as to beused during the processing procedure for OSD display.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcastreceiver performs the following procedure so as to perform theprocessing procedure for outputting a 3D OSD.

The receiver uses the 3D Depth Information Descriptor included in thePMT, the TVCT, or the SDT so as to determine the depth range informationrespective to the program, channel, or service that is currently beingviewed.

The receiver then uses the EIT to determine the depth range informationrespective to an event that is to be broadcasted in the future.

When outputting graphics or OSD screens in accordance with userinteraction or the performance of message or alarm functions, thereceiver uses the depth range information determined in theabove-described steps. More specifically, the receiver uses themin_disparity field value so as to decode the disparity according towhich the OSD screen is to be located, within a range that the OSDscreen does not overlay with the 3D video. For example, the receiverdecides the OSD screen to be displayed in a location nearer to the userthan the value designated by the min_disparity field.

In case the time point at which the OSD screen is to be outputtedcorresponds to an event boundary, during which a change occurs betweentwo events, the receiver refers to the min_disparity field value of thecurrent event and the min_disparity field value of the next event and,then, outputs the OSD screen based upon the min_disparity field valuenearer the front (i.e., the smaller min_disparity field value). Forexample, based upon a timeout length of the OSD and a general userinteraction, when it is assumed that the output period of an OSD screenis equal to approximately one minute, the receiver may use a method forchecking whether or not an event change has occurred within the periodof one minute.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the broadcastreceiver performs the following procedure so as to perform theprocessing procedure for outputting a 3D OSD.

The receiver uses the 3D Scene-level Depth Information Descriptorincluded in the PMT, the TVCT, or the SDT so as to determine thescene-level depth range information, i.e., the depth range informationfor each time period, respective to the program, channel, or servicethat is currently being viewed.

When the broadcast receiver receives this information by using the EIT,the corresponding descriptor may determine the depth range informationfor each time period corresponding to the time span of the EIT.

When outputting graphics or OSD screens in accordance with userinteraction or the performance of message or alarm functions, thereceiver uses the depth range information determined in theabove-described steps. More specifically, the receiver uses themin_disparity field value so as to decode the disparity according towhich the OSD screen is to be located, within a range that the OSDscreen does not overlay with the 3D video. For example, the receiverdecides the OSD screen to be displayed in a location nearer to the userthan the value designated by the min_disparity field.

In case the time point at which the OSD screen is to be outputtedcorresponds to a scene boundary, during which a change occurs betweentwo scenes, the receiver refers to the min_disparity field value of thecurrent scene and the min_disparity field value of the next scene and,then, outputs the OSD screen based upon the min_disparity field valuenearer the front (i.e., the smaller min_disparity field value). Forexample, based upon a timeout length of the OSD and a general userinteraction, when it is assumed that the output period of an OSD screenis equal to approximately one minute, the receiver may use a method forchecking whether or not a scene change has occurred within the period ofone minute.

FIG. 16 illustrates a block view of a broadcast receiver for receivingand processing 3D video images according to another embodiment of thepresent invention.

The broadcast receiver according to the embodiment of the presentinvention may include a Tuner & Demodulator (16010), a VSB decoder(16020), a transport packet demultiplexer (TP Demux) (16030), aPSI/PSIP/SI processor (16040), a 3D scene depth information decoder(16050), a 3D video decoder (16060), a primary video decoder (16062), asecondary video decoder (16064), a 3D OSD engine (16070), a left mixer(16080), a right mixer (16090), and/or a 3D output formatter (16100).

Most of the blocks shown in FIG. 6 perform the same role as the blockshaving the same name shown in FIG. 15. Therefore, a detailed descriptionof the same will be omitted for simplicity and may be replaced with thedescription given in FIG. 15.

The 3D scene depth information decoder (16050) decodes a 3D scene depthstream. In case the 3D scene depth information is delivered by using thePES, the 3D scene depth information decoder (16050) decodes the PESincluding the 3D scene depth information.

In this case, the 3D depth range descriptor may be included in the PMT,the TVCT, the EIT, and/or the SDT, thereby being delivered.

The 3D OSD engine (16070) uses the 3D scene depth information and theinformation included in the 3D depth range descriptor, so as to controla display depth of the PSD at an adequate time point.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, thebroadcast receiver performs the following procedure so as to perform theprocessing procedure for outputting a 3D OSD.

The receiver determines whether or not a 3D Scene Depth Informationstream for a program, channel, or service that is signaled by the PMT,the TVCT, or the SDT is included. Then, the receiver uses the 3D DepthRange Descriptor so as to determine the application time point of thedepth range, which is provided by the 3D scene depth information stream,thereby determining whether or not an overlaying portion occurs in thecorresponding stream and determining whether or not the receiver shouldreceive the corresponding stream.

The receiver uses PID information respective to the 3D Scene DepthInformation stream, so as to extract the corresponding stream, therebyallowing the 3D Scene Depth Information Decoder to determine the depthrange information for each time period.

When outputting graphics or OSD screens in accordance with userinteraction or the performance of message or alarm functions, thereceiver uses the depth range information determined in theabove-described steps. More specifically, the receiver uses themin_disparity field value so as to decode the disparity according towhich the OSD screen is to be located, within a range that the OSDscreen does not overlay with the 3D video. For example, the receiverdecides the OSD screen to be displayed in a location nearer to the userthan the value designated by the min_disparity field.

In case the time point at which the OSD screen is to be outputtedcorresponds to a scene boundary, the receiver refers to themin_disparity field value of the current scene and the min_disparityfield value of the next scene and, then, outputs the OSD screen basedupon the min_disparity field value nearer the front (i.e., the smallermin_disparity field value). For example, based upon a timeout length ofthe OSD and a general user interaction, when it is assumed that theoutput period of an OSD screen is equal to approximately one minute, thereceiver may use a method for checking whether or not a scene change hasoccurred within the period of one minute.

FIG. 17 illustrates a procedure for receiving (or acquiring) a 3Dservice in an IPTV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An ITF (IPTV Terminal Function) receives information for ServiceProvider Discovery from a service provider through a Push/Pull mode(s17010). Herein, Service Provider Discovery corresponds to a processperformed by the service providers for finding a server that providesinformation on the services that they provide. For example, ServiceProvider Discovery provides a service information server for eachservice provider by using the following methods. More specifically, thereceiver finds a list of addresses through which information on an SDServer (Service Discovery Server) (SP Discovery information) by usingthe following methods.

For example, the receiver receives SP (Service Provider) Discoveryinformation from an address, which is automatically or manuallypredetermined in advance. At this point, the corresponding informationmay be received from an address predetermined in the ITF, or the usermay manually set-up a specific address so as to receive the SP Discoveryinformation wanted by the user.

In another example, the receiver may perform DHCP-based SP Discovery.More specifically, the receiver may use a DHCP option so as to receive(or acquire) SP Discovery information.

In yet another example, the receiver may perform DNS SRV-based SPDiscovery. More specifically, the receiver may receive (or acquire) theSP Discovery information by sending a query using a DNS SRV mechanism.

Accordingly, the receiver accesses the server corresponding to theaddress received (or acquired) by using the above-described methods.Thereafter, the receiver receives information configured of a ServiceProvider Discovery Record, which carries the information required forService Discovery of the SP (Service Provider). By using the informationconfigured of the Service Provider Discovery Record, the receivercarries out a step of performing service search. Data related to may beprovided in a Push format or a Pull format or any other data format.

Based upon the information on the SP Discovery record, the receiveraccesses an SP Attachment Server respective to an access address of theservice provider (e.g., an address designated to anSPAttachmentLocator), so as to carry out an ITF registration procedure(Service Attachment procedure) (s17020). At this point, for example, theinformation delivered to the server by the ITF may be delivered in anITFRegistrationInputType record format, and the ITF may provide suchinformation in a query Term format of an HTTP GET method, so as toperform Service Attachment.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, thereceiver may optionally access an Authentication service server of anSP, which is designated to the SPAuthenticationLocator, so as to performa separate authentication procedure. Thereafter, the receiver mayperform Service Attachment. In this case, the receiver may transmit ITFinformation having the same format as that used in the above-describedService Attachment process to the server, so as to perform theauthentication procedure.

The receiver may receive data having a ProvisioningInfoTable format froma service provider (s17030). However, this process may also be omittedfor simplicity.

The receiver may provide its own ID and location information in data,which are transmitted to the server during the Service Attachmentprocedure, such as an ITFRegistrationInputType record, and so on. Then,based upon the information provided by the receiver, the ServiceAttachment server may specify the service to which the receiver issubscribed. Thereafter, based upon this information, the ServiceAttachment server may provide the address from which the receiver canacquire (or receive) the Service Information, which the receiver is toreceive, in a ProvisioningInfoTable format (s17040). For example, thisaddress may be uses an access information of a MasterSI Table. Suchmethod enables a service to be customized for each of the subscribedusers and provided to the respective subscribed user.

Based upon the information received from the service provider, thereceiver may receive a VirtualChannelMap Table (s17050), aVirtualChannelDescription Table (s17060), and/or a SourceTable (s17070).

The VirtualChannelMap Table provides a Master SI Table Record, which isconfigured for managing access information and version information, anda list of services in a package format. The VirtualChannelDescriptionTable carries detailed information on each channel. The SourceTablecarries access information that can access an actual service. And, theVirtualChannelMap Table, the VirtualChannelDescription Table, and theSourceTable may be categorized as service information. Such serviceinformation may further include 3D depth related information, which isincluded in the above-described descriptor or PES. However, in thiscase, the format of the information may be modified so as to fit aservice information scheme for IPTVs.

FIG. 18 illustrates a SI (Service Information) table structure for IPTVsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

Herein, FIG. 18 illustrates Service Provider discovery, attachmentmetadata components, and Services Discovery metadata components and alsoillustrates the correlation between the Service Provider discovery, theattachment metadata components, and the Services Discovery metadatacomponents. Herein, the receiver may process the received data bycarrying out the process steps along the directions pointed by thearrows shown in FIG. 18.

ServiceProviderInfo includes SP descriptive information, whichcorresponds to information associated with the service provider,Authentication location information, which corresponds to information ona location that provides the information associated with authentication,and Attachment location information, which corresponds to informationassociated with an attachment location.

The receiver may use the Authentication location information, so as toperform authentication associated with the service provider.

The receiver may also use information included in the Attachmentlocation, so as to access a server from which the receiver can receiveProvisioningInfo. The ProvisioningInfo may include Master SI Tablelocation information, which includes an address of a server from which aMaster SI Table can be received, Available channel information, whichincludes information on the channels that can be provided to the user,Subscribed channel information, which includes information related to aSubscribed channel, EAS (Emergency Alert System) location information,which includes information related to emergency situation alert, and/orEPG data location information, which includes location informationrelated to an EPG (Electronic Program Guide). Most particularly, thereceiver may use the Master SI Table location information, so as toaccess an address from which the receiver can receive the Master SITable.

The Master SI Table Record carries information on the location fromwhich the receiver can receive each VirtualChannelMap and also carriesinformation on the version of each VitualChannelMap.

Each VirtualChannelMap is identified by a VirtualChannelMapIdentifier,and the VituralChannelMapVersion carries version information of theVictualChannelMap. Among all of the tables that are connected to oneanother along the direction of pointed by the arrows, starting from theMasterSITable, when one of the tables is modified, such modification mayresult in an increment in a version number of the corresponding tableand may also result in an increment in version numbers of all tableshierarchically higher than the corresponding table (up to the MasterSItable). Therefore, by monitoring the MasterSITable a change in theoverall SI tables may be immediately recognized. For example, when achange occurs in the SourceTable, such change may increment the value ofthe SourceVersion, which correspond to the version information of theSourceTable, and such change may also result in a change in aVirtualChannelDescriptionTable, which includes a reference on theSourceTable. As described above, a change in a lower-level table ispropagated to higher-level tables, thereby bringing about a change inthe MasterSITable.

Only one Master SI Table may exist for one service provider. However, incase the service configuration is different for each regional area orsubscribed user (or subscribed user group), it may be more efficient toconfigure a separate Master SI Table Record for each serviceconfiguration in order to provide customized services for each serviceunit. In this case, the customized service best-fitting the informationon the user's subscribed location and the user's subscriptioninformation may be provided through a Master SI table during the ServiceAttachment process.

The Master SI Table Record provides a VitrualChannelMap list. TheVitrualChannelMap may be identified by a VirtualChannelMapIdentifier.Each VirtualChannelMap may have at least one or more VirtualChannels,and the VirtualChannelMap designates a location from which detailedinformation on each VirtualChannel can be acquired (or received).VirtualChannelDescriptionLocation performs the role of designating thelocation of a VirtualChannelDescriptionTable, which carries detailedchannel information.

The VirtualChannelDescriptionTable carries detailed information on theVirtualChannel, and the VirtualChannelDescriptionTable may access alocation that provides the corresponding information to theVirtualChannelDescriptionLocation within the VirtualChannelMap.

VirtualChannelServiceID is included in theVirtualChannelDescriptionTable, and the VirtualChannelServiceID performsthe role of identifying a service the corresponds toVirtualChanneldescription. The receiver may find theVirtualChannelDescriptionTable by using the VirtualChannelServiceID. Incase the receiver receives multiple VirtualChannelDescriptionTablesthrough a Multicast method, the receiver may join the correspondingstream so as to continue to receive the transmitted tables, therebyfinding the VirtualChannelDescriptionTable that is identified by aspecific VirtualChannelServiceID.

In case of the Unicast method, the receiver may deliver theVirtualChannelServiceID to the server as a parameter and may thenreceive only the wanted VirtualChannelDescriptionTable.

The SourceTable provides access information (e.g., IP address, port, AVcodec, transmission protocol, and so on), which is required for actuallyaccessing a service, and/or Source information for each service. Sinceone Source may be used for multiple VirtualChannel services, it will beefficient to divided the Source information for each service and providethe divided Source information to the respective service.

The above-described MasterSITable, VirtualChannelMapTable,VirtualChannelDescriptionTable, and SourceTable are divided through fourlogically separated flows, and, herein, any one of the Push/Pull methodsmay be used.

However, the MasterSITable may be transmitted by the multicast method inorder to manage the version. And, the receiver may always receive thestream that transmits the MasterSITable so as to monitor the change inversion.

FIG. 19 illustrates an XML schema of a SourceReferenceType according toan embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the XML schema ofthe SourceReferenceType corresponds to a structure that refers to asource element, which carries media source information of a VirtualChannel Service.

SourceReferenceType includes SourceId information, SourceVersioninformation, and/or SourceLocator information.

SourceId corresponds to an identifier of the referenced Source element.

SourceVersion corresponds to a version of the referenced Source element.

SourceLocator provides a location wherein a Source Table including thereferenced Source element can be received. For example, in case aDefaultSourceLocator and the Source element exist at the same time, theSource element overrides the default value.

FIG. 20 illustrates an XML schema of a SourceType according to anembodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the XML schema ofthe SourceType carries information required for acquiring media sourceof a VirtualChannelService.

SourceType includes SourceId information, SourceVersion information,TypeOfSource information, IpSourceDefinition information, and/orRfSourceDefinition information.

SourceId corresponds to an identifier of the referenced Source element.For example, the identifier should be capable of uniquely identifyingthis Source element.

SourceVersion corresponds to a version of the referenced Source element.For example, the value of the SourceVersion shall be incremented eachtime the content of the Source element is changed, altered or modified.

TypeOfSource corresponds to a value indicating the nature of thecorresponding Source. For example, the TypeOfSource may indicate thenature of the corresponding Source, such as HD (High Definition), SD(Standard Definition), PIP (Picture in Picture), Barker, and so on.

More specifically, for example, a Barker channel corresponds to achannel designated for advertisement or publicity. Therefore, in casethe user is not given the authority for viewing a selected channel andis, therefore, unable to view the corresponding selected channel, theBarker channel is automatically selected. Accordingly, the Barkerchannel performs the role of advertising the channel selected by theuser and providing subscription guidance to the user for viewing thewanted channel.

IpSourceDefinition provides access information of the media source,which is delivered through an IP network. For example, theIpSourceDefinition may notify a Multicast IP address, a transmissionprotocol, and/or various parameters.

RfSourceDefinition provides access information of the media source,which is delivered through a cable TV network.

FIG. 21 illustrates an extended TypeOfSourceType XML Schema for the 3DScene Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, in order to signalthe 3D Scene Depth information, the TypeOfSource may be extended so thatthe broadcast receiver can identify the 3D Scene Depth information asinformation related to 3D depth.

For example, according to the embodiment of the present invention,3DSceneDepthInformation, which is included in the extended TypeOfSource,represents a source for transmitting asynchronous depth information,which corresponds to 3D depth related information. Reference may be madeto the description provided above for the detailed description of theasynchronous depth information, and, therefore, the detailed descriptionof the same will be omitted for simplicity.

Also, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in order toprovide 3D depth information for each source, IPSourceDefinition andRFSourceDefinition may be extended as described below. Providinginformation during this process step may be considered to be similar toproviding channel-level or service-level 3D Depth information, in caseof ATSC or DVB broadcasting. In IPTVs, a single service may beconfigured of multiple media sources. And, therefore, as a flexiblestructure, which is described above, a service may be designed todesignate multiple sources. Accordingly, by extending the Source-levelinformation and by providing 3D Depth information, service-levelinformation may be provided.

FIG. 22 illustrates a DepthInformationType XML Schema diagram forcarrying 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

As described above, in order to carry the 3D Depth information, theDepthInformationType according to the embodiment of the presentinvention may include a Min disparity and a Max Disparity of the Depthinformation of the respective source of a provided service. The methodsfor interpreting and using such values are identical to the methodsdescribed above.

An IPTV service uses an IPTV structure than can provide diverse sourcesfor the same service. Thus, it may be considered in IPTV services toprovide multiple sources having different Depth Ranges in the same 3Dservice. In this case, the receiver may select a source having a depthcorresponding to a depth level predetermined by the user, or thereceiver may select a source having a Depth Range that can be bestexpressed (or displayed) by the receiver, thereby being capable of usingthe corresponding service.

FIG. 23 illustrates a DepthInformationType XML Schema for carrying the3D Depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

As described above, the DepthInformationType may include a Minimumdisparity value and a Maximum disparity value. These values may beexpressed as integers.

FIG. 24 illustrates an extended IpSourceDefinitionType XML Schema forcarrying the 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, theIpSourceDefinitionType includes a MediaStream element, a RateModeelement, a ScteSourceId element, an MpegProgramNumber element, aVideoEncoding element, an AudioEncoding element, an FecProfile element,and/or a DepthInformation element.

MediaStream element includes an IP multicast session description for themedia stream for this source. This MediaStream element shall include theasBandwidth attribute. The units of the asBandwidth attribute shall bekilobits per second. The interpretation of the asBandwidth attributeshall be peak bitrate.

RateMode element includes Programming Source Rate Type ((Constant BitRate (CBR) or Variable Bit Rate (VBR))

ScteSourceId element includes Source ID that appears in the MPEG-2transport stream.

MpegProgramNumber element includes MPEG Program Number.

VideoEncoding element, when present, shall indicate the video encodingformat of this media source.

AudioEncoding element, when present, shall be a description of the AudioCoding used on this Programming Source, in the form of an audio MIMEtype registered with IANA.

FecProfile element indicates IP FEC Profile if available.

DepthInformation element includes information related to 3D Depth foreach source. 3D Depth associated information, which is included in theabove-described descriptor, may be optionally included in theDepthInformation element.

For example, according to the embodiment of the present invention, whenthe 3D Scene Depth information is provided by using a 3D media streamand a separate stream, 3D depth related information may be signaled to aSource corresponding to 3DSceneDepthInformation, which is included inthe above-described Source Type. In this case, the receiver may receivea 3D service source carrying an AV stream of the 3D service, and asource carrying 3D Depth information at the same time. Then, based uponthe received sources, the receiver may be capable of positioning the OSDat an adequate location, while the user is viewing the 3D broadcastprogram. In this case, the 3D Depth information that is provided by theseparate stream may be accumulated in the form of an IP packet, which issimilar to when the 3D Depth information is transmitted in a PES formatthrough a MPEG-2 TS, thereby being delivered. In another method, theformat of the 3D Depth information may be defined as an XML format,thereby being transmitted as an XML document.

In addition to the above-described method of providing 3D Depthinformation through a signaling scheme of an IPTV, since IPTV media areconfigured of an MPEG-2TS format, which is similar to the format of theconventional digital broadcasting media, thereby being transmittedthrough an IP network, the 3D Depth information may also be providedthrough diverse tables in the above-described SI end or through aseparate ES.

FIG. 25 illustrates an extended RfSourceDefinitionType XML Schema forcarrying the 3D Depth information according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, theRfSourceDefinitionType includes a FrequencyInKHz element, a Modulationelement, an RfProfile element, a DvbTripleId element, a ScteSourceIdelement, an MpegProgramNumber element, a VideoEncoding element, anAudioEncoding element, and/or a DepthInformation element.

FrequencyInKHz element indicates RF frequency of the source in KHz. Thisshall be the center frequency regardless of the modulation type.

Modulation element shall indicate the RF Modulation Type. The allowablemodulation types are NTSC, QAM-64, QAM-256, or 8-VSB.

RfProfile element shall indicate the basic stream format. The allowableprofile values are SCTE, ATSC, or DVB.

DvbTripleId element is a DVB Triplet identifier for a broadcast stream.

ScteSourceId element is a Source ID that appears in the MPEG-2 transportstream.

MpegProgramNumber element indicates MPEG-2 Program Number.

VideoEncoding element, when present, shall be a description of the VideoCoding used on this Programming Source.

AudioEncoding element, when present, shall be a description of the AudioCoding used on this Programming Source.

DepthInformation element includes information related to 3D Depth foreach source. 3D Depth associated information, which is included in theabove-described descriptor, may be optionally included in theDepthInformation element.

The method for signaling the 3D depth associated information is similarto the method and/or description shown in FIG. 24. Therefore, a detaileddescription of the same will be omitted for simplicity.

FIG. 26 illustrates an IpService XML Schema that is extended in order tocarry 3D depth information according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, IpService includesServiceLocation information, TextualIdentifier information, DVBTripletinformation, MaxBitrate information, SI information, VideoAttributesinformation, AudioAttributes information, and/or ServiceAvailabiltyinformation.

ServiceLocation information indicates the locations at which the servicecan be found.

TextualIdentifier information indicates the Textual identifier by whichthe service is known. If the domain name is missing, it is taken fromthe context.

DVBTriplet information indicates the DVB Triplet by which the service isknown. This will match the service details inside the transport stream.

MaxBitrate information indicates the peak bitrate (in kbits/s) at whichthe transport stream carrying the service will operate.

SI information includes Service information about the service carried.

The SI information includes Name information, Description information,ServiceDescriptionLocation information, ContentGenre information,CountryAvailability information, ReplacementService information,MosaicDescription information, AnnouncementSupport information, and/orDepthInformation information.

The Name information specifies the text form of the name by which theservice is known to the user.

The Description information specifies a textual description of theservice.

The ServiceDescriptionLocation information specifies the identifier(s)of the BCG Record(s) for the BCG Discovery element that carries theinformation on this offering.

The ContentGenre information specifies the (primary) genre of theservice.

The CountryAvailability information specifies the list of countries inwhich the service is, or is not, available.

The ReplacementService information specifies details the linkage to aservice that can be used in case of a failure of the service to whichthis SI record refers.

The MosaicDescription information specifies details of the services, orservice packages, which are displayed in a mosaic stream.

The AnnouncementSupport information specifies the announcementssupported by the service, and linkage information as to their location.

DepthInformation element includes information related to 3D Depth foreach source. 3D Depth associated information, which is included in theabove-described descriptor, may be optionally included in theDepthInformation element.

For example, in order to extend a DVB IPTV standard and to use theextended DVB IPTV standard, the DepthInformation information is includedin the SI information of the extended IPService, thereby enabling the 3DDepth related information to be provided.

In a DVB IPTV, each IPTV service is expressed in IPService-levels withina DVB SD&S. And, herein, the SI information provides additional detailedinformation on the corresponding service. Such information mayidentically provide most of the information content included in the SDTof the DVB SI. By extending the SI information and addingDepthInformation information, the 3d Depth information that can be usedfor each service by providing the processed information may be provided.

As described above, the DVB IPTV may also be configured in the MPEG2 TSformat, and by transmitting this through an IP network, the DVB SIinformation within the TS may be used in the same format as theconvention DVB broadcasting content. In this case, the above-describedmethods for signaling 3D depth related information may be used.

The VideoAttributes information specifies each instance of this valuespecifies a way of coding the video that may be used at some pointduring the operation of the service.

The AudioAttributes information specifies each instance of this valuespecifies a way of coding the audio that may be used at some pointduring the operation of the service.

The ServiceAvailabilty defines the geographical regions in which thisservice is available, or not available.

FIG. 27 illustrates an IPTV receiver according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the IPTV receiverincludes a Network Interface (27010), a TPC/IP Manager (27020), aService Control Manager (27030), a Service Delivery Manager (27040), aContent DB (27050), a PVR manager (27060), a Service Discovery Manager(27070), a Service Manager (27080), a SI & Metadata DB (27090), a PSI &(PSIP and/or DVB-SI) Decoder (27100), a DEMUX (27110), an Audio andVideo Decoder (27120), a Native TV Application manager (27130), and/oran A/V and OSD Displayer (27140).

The Network Interface (27010) performs the role oftransmitting/receiving an IPTV packet. The Network Interface (27010)operates in a physical layer and/or in a data link layer.

The TPC/IP Manager (27020) is involved in end to end packettransmission. More specifically, the TPC/IP Manager (27020) performs therole of managing packet transmission from source to destination. TheTPC/IP Manager (27020) performs the role of distributing the IPTVpackets to the appropriate managers, thereby transmitting thedistributed IPTV packets.

The Service Control Manager (27030) performs the role of selecting aservice and controlling the selected service. The Service ControlManager (27030) may also perform the role of managing sessions. Forexample, the Service Control Manager (27030) may use an IGMP (InternetGroup Management Protocol) or an RTSP, so as to select a real-timebroadcast service. For example, the Service Control Manager (27030) mayuse the RTSP to select VOD (Video on Demand) contents. For example, whenan IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is used, the Service Control Manager(27030) uses an SIP (session initiation protocol) so as to performsession initialization and/or management via an IMS gateway. RTSPprotocol can be used in controlling of the delivery of broadcast TV andaudio as well as for on-demand delivery. RTSP protocol uses a persistentTCP connection and allows trick mode control on real-time mediastreaming.

The operation of the Service Delivery Manager (27040) relates toreal-time streaming and/or handling content download. The ServiceDelivery Manager (27040) retrieves contents from the Content DB (27050)for future usage. The Service Delivery Manager (27040) may use aReal-Time Transport Protocol (RTP)/RTP Control Protocol (RTCP), whichare used along with the MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS). In this case, theMPEG-2 packet is encapsulated by using the RTP. The Service DeliveryManager (27040) parses the RTP packet and then transmits the parsedpacket to the DEMUX (27110). The Service Delivery Manager (27040) mayuse the RTCP so as to perform the role of transmitting a feedback on anetwork reception. Without using the RTP, the MPEG-2 Transport packetsmay be directly transmitted by using a UDP (user datagram protocol). Inorder to perform contents downloading, the Service Delivery Manager(27040) may use an HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) or a FLUTE (FileDelivery over Unidirectional Transport) as the transmission protocol.The Service Delivery Manager (27040) may perform the role of processinga stream, which transmits the 3D depth related information. Morespecifically, when the above-described 3D depth related information istransmitted through a stream, the processing of the 3D depth relatedinformation may be performed by the Service Delivery Manager (27040).

Content DB (27050) is a database for Contents which may be delivered bycontent download system or may be recorded from live media TV.

PVR manager (27060) is responsible for recording and/or playing livestreaming contents, and gathering all the necessary metadata of therecorded content, and/or generating additional information for betteruser experience (e.g. thumbnail image, index etc).

Service Discovery Manager (27070) is enabling of the discovery of IPTVservices over bi-directional IP network. Service Discovery Manager(27070) provides all the information for selecting service.

Metadata Manager (27080) manages the processing of metadata.

SI & Metadata DB (27090) is a database for Service Discovery informationand Metadata related to the services.

PSI & (PSIP and/or DVB-SI) Decoder (27100) is a PSI (and PSIP/DVB-SI)Control Module. PSI & (PSIP and/or DVB-SI) Decoder (27100) sets PIDs forPSI tables and PSIP/DVB-SI tables to DEMUX. PSI & (PSIP and/or DVB-SI)Decoder (27100) decodes the private sections of PSI and (PSIP and/orDVB-SI) sent by DEMUX. The decoding result is used to de-multiplex inputtransport packets. (e.g set Audio and Video PID to DEMUX.)

DEMUX (27110) is configured to de-multiplex audio, video and/or PSItables from input transport packets. DEMUX (27110) is controlled for thede-multiplexing for PSI tables by PSI Decoder. DEMUX (27110) isconfigured to make the sections of PSI tables and sending them to PSIDecoder. DEMUX (27110) is controlled for the de-multiplexing for A/Vtransport packets.

The Audio and Video Decoder (27120) may decode audio and/or videoelementary stream packets. Herein, the Audio and Video Decoder (27120)may include an Audio Decoder (27122) and/or a Video Decoder (27124). TheAudio Decoder (27122) decodes audio elementary stream packets. And, theVideo Decoder (27124) decodes video elementary stream packets.

The Native TV Application manager (27130) includes a UI Manager (27132)and/or a Service Manager (27134). The Native TV Application manager(27130) supports a Graphic User Interface within a TV screen. The NativeTV Application manager (27130) may receive a user key, which is inputtedthrough a remote controller or a front panel. The Native TV Applicationmanager (27130) may manage the status of the TV system. The Native TVApplication manager (27130) may perform the role of configuring a 3D OSDand the role of controlling the output of the 3D OSD.

The UI Manager (27132) may perform the role of controlling the IPTVreceiver so as to display a User Interface on the TV screen.

The Service Manager (27134) performs the role of controlling managersrelated to services. For example, the Service Manager (27080) maycontrol the Service Control Manager (27030), the Service DeliveryManager (27040), an IG-OITF client, the Service Discovery Manager(27070), and/or the Metadata manager (27080). The Service Manager(27134) processes the 3D depth related information and control thedisplay of the 3D OSD. For example, the Service Manager (27134) mayprocess the 3D depth related information, and, then, the Service Manager(27134) may deliver the processed result to the UI Manager (27132). TheUI Manager (27132) uses the 3D depth related information, which isdelivered from the Service Manager (27134), so as to control the outputof the 3D OSD.

The A/V and OSD Displayer (27140) receives audio data and video data andthen controls the display of the video data and the playing of the audiodata. The A/V and OSD Displayer (27140) controls the output of the OSD.In case of the 3D service, the A/V and OSD Displayer (27140) may performthe function of a 3D Output Formatter, which receives left view andright view images and outputs the received left view and right viewimages as a Stereoscopic video. During this process, the 3D OSD may alsobe outputted along with the Stereoscopic video.

FIG. 28 illustrates functional blocks of an IPTV receiver according toan embodiment of the present invention.

The functional blocks of the IPTV receiver according to the embodimentof the present invention may include a cable modem, a DSL modem (28010),an Ethernet NIC (Ethernet NIC, 28020), an IP network stack (28030), anXML parser (28040), a file handler (28050), an EPG handler (28060), anSI handler (28070), a storage device (28080), an SI decoder (28090), anEPG decoder (28100), an ITF operation controller (28110), a channelservice manager (28120), an application manager (28130), an MPEG-2demultiplexer (28140), an MPEG-2 PSI/PSIP parser (28150), an audio/videodecoder (28160), and/or a display module (28170).

Herein, the blocks that are mostly used in the present invention aremarked in bold lining, and the straight-lined arrows indicate the Datapath, and the dotted-lined arrows indicate Control signal path.Hereinafter, each block will now be described in detail.

The cable modem, the DSL modem (28010) demodulates a signal that istransmitted through an interface, through which an ITF is connected toan IP network in a physical layer, or through physical medium, therebyrecovering a digital signal.

The Ethernet NIC (Ethernet NIC, 28020) corresponds to a modulerecovering a signal, which is received through a physical interface, toIP data.

The IP network stack (28030) corresponds to a processing (or handling)module of each layer according to the IP protocol stack.

Among the received IP data, the XML parser (28040) parses XML documents.

Among the received IP data, the file handler (28050) handles (orprocesses) data that are transmitted in a file format through the FLUTE.

Among the data received in a file format, the EPG handler (28060)handles (or processes) a portion corresponding to IPTV EPG data andstores the processed data in the storage device (18080).

Among the data received in a file format, the SI handler (28070) handles(or processes) a portion corresponding to IPTV SI data and stores theprocessed data in the storage device (18080).

The storage device (28080) corresponds to a storage device configured tostore data that require storage, such as SI, EPG, and so on.

When Channel Map information is required, the SI decoder (28090)retrieves the SI data from the storage device (18080), so as to analyzethe retrieved data and to recover the required information.

When EPG information is required, the EPG decoder (28100) retrieves theEPG data from the storage device (18080), so as to analyze the retrieveddata and to recover the required information.

The ITF operation controller (28110) corresponds to a main controllerthat can control the operations of the ITF, such as channel change, EPGdisplay, and so on.

The channel service manager (28120) corresponds to a module thatreceives input from the user and manages the operation of changingchannels.

The application manager (28130) corresponds to a module that receivesinput from the user and manages application services, such as EPGdisplay.

The MPEG-2 demultiplexer (28140) corresponds to a module that extractsMPEG-2 transmission stream data from the received IP datagram and thatdelivers the extracted MPEG-2 transmission stream data to modulerespective to each PID.

The MPEG-2 PSI/PSIP parser (28150) corresponds to a module that canextract PSI/PSIP data, which carry information enabling access to aprogram element, such as PID information for each set of data(audio/video data, and so on) of the MPEG-2 transmission stream withinthe received IP datagram, and that can parse the extracted PSI/PSIPdata.

The audio/video decoder (28160) corresponds to a module that can decodethe received audio data and video data and that can deliver the decodedaudio/video data to the display module.

The display module (28170) combines the received AV signal and OSDsignal and processes (or handles) the combined signal, so that processedsignal can be outputted to the screen and through a speaker. Also, incase of a 3D video, the display module (28170) performs the function ofdividing the image into L/R images and outputting the divided L/R imagesas a 3D image (or video) through a formatter. Furthermore, by using the3D depth related information, the display module (28170) may alsoperform the function of processing (or handling) the OSD, so that theOSD can be displayed along with the 3D image (or video).

FIG. 29 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for processing 3Dbroadcast signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcast transmitter encodes video data configured for 3D serviceinto a video stream (s29010). Herein, the video data include a leftpicture and a right picture for the 3D image.

The broadcast transmitter generates a digital broadcast signal includingthe video data and the service information for 3D services (s29020).Service information includes video depth range descriptor indicating aminimum disparity and a maximum disparity that occur during a given timewindow of the video stream. Wherein the minimum disparity and themaximum disparity are a minimum difference and a maximum differencebetween horizontal positions of a pixel representing a same point inspace in the left and right views of 3-dimensional image, respectively.For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, thedisparity may indicate value that is equally applied to both the leftimage (or picture) and the right image (or picture). According toanother embodiment of the present invention, ½ of the disparity valuemay be applied to the left image (or picture) and the right image (orpicture). Thus, the disparity value may become a value that indicates adifference in position between the left/right images and the 3D image.

The broadcast transmitter transmits a digital broadcast signal for 3Dservices (s29030).

According to the present invention, in a 3D service environment, aconflict between the display of an OSD, which is decided by thereceiver, and the display of a 3D image.

Additionally, the present invention may prevent a conflict, which canoccur at an event boundary, when providing event-level depthinformation, from occurring between the depth of a graphic object andthe depth of a video object.

Furthermore, the present invention may prevent a depth conflict, whichcan occur at a scene boundary, when providing scene-level depthinformation, and when an OSD is displayed on a 3DTV, from occurringbetween the graphic object and the video object.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction withthe limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is notlimited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications, additions and substitutions are possible from thisdescription. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not belimited to the description of the exemplary embodiments and should bedetermined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for carryingout the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is partially or wholly appliedto a digital broadcast system.

1. A method of processing a digital broadcast signal for a3-dimensional, 3D, service, the method comprising: encoding video datafor the 3D service into a video stream, the video data comprising a leftpicture and a right picture for a 3D image; generating the broadcastsignal having the video data and service information for the 3D service,the service information including video depth range descriptorindicating a minimum disparity and a maximum disparity that occur duringa given time window of the video stream; wherein the minimum disparityand the maximum disparity are a minimum difference and a maximumdifference between horizontal positions of a pixel representing a samepoint in space in the left and right views of 3-dimensional image,respectively; transmitting the digital broadcast signal for the 3Dservice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the video depth rangedescriptor is included in a virtual channel table (VCT), wherein the VCTincludes channel identification information identifying a channel fromany other channel within a transport stream (TS), and the video depthrange descriptor identifies the minimum and minimum disparity for theservice identified by the service identification information.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the video depth range descriptor is includedin a event information table (EIT), wherein the EIT includes eventidentification information identifying an event within a channel, andthe video depth range descriptor identifies the minimum and minimumdisparity for the event identified by the event identificationinformation.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the service informationfurther includes application selection information indicating rangeduring which information in the video depth range descriptor is appliedfor the 3D service.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the applicationselection information includes scene start time information indicatingstarting time of a scene included in the 3D service for application ofthe information in the video depth range descriptor.
 6. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the application information includes scene durationinformation indicating duration of a scene included in the 3D servicefor application of the information in the video depth range descriptor.7. An apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast signal for a3-dimensional, 3D, service, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unitconfigured to receive the broadcast signal having video data and serviceinformation for the 3D service, the video data being encoded for the 3Dservice into a video stream, the video data comprising a left pictureand a right picture for a 3D image, the service information includingvideo depth range descriptor indicating a minimum disparity and amaximum disparity that occur during a given time window of the videostream, wherein the minimum disparity and the maximum disparity are aminimum difference and a maximum difference between horizontal positionsof a pixel representing a same point in space in the left and rightviews of 3-dimensional image, respectively; a signaling processorconfigured to parse the video depth range descriptor; and a decoderconfigured to decode the video data.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,further comprising: a displaying processor configured to control onscreen display (OSD) menu of the apparatus to be displayed on top of the3D image based on information in the video depth range descriptor. 9.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the signaling processor furtherconfigured to parse a virtual channel table (VCT) including channelidentification information identifying a channel from any other channelwithin a transport stream (TS), and the video depth range descriptorincluded in the VCT for identifying the minimum and minimum disparityfor the channel identified by the channel identification information.10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the signaling processor furtherconfigured to parse a event information table (EIT) including eventidentification information identifying an event within a channel, andthe video depth range descriptor included in the EIT for identifying theminimum and minimum disparity for the event identified by the eventidentification information.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thesignaling processor further configured to parse application selectioninformation indicating range during which information in the video depthrange descriptor is applied for the 3D service from the serviceinformation.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the signalingprocessor further configured to parse scene start time informationindicating starting time of a scene included in the 3D service forapplication of the information in the video depth range descriptor fromthe application selection information.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the signaling processor further configured to parse sceneduration information indicating duration of a scene included in the 3Dservice for application of the information in the video depth rangedescriptor from the application selection information.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the displaying processor configured to control onscreen display (OSD) menu of the apparatus to be displayed on top of the3D image during the duration of the scene included in the 3D servicebased on information in the video depth range descriptor and the sceneduration information.